Custom Feed - The BioLogos Forumhttp://biologos.org/resources/find?search_method=or&amp;tags-topics=&amp;tags-format=82&amp;sort_by=newest&utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
This is a custom feed of BioLogos resources. Make a new feed at http://biologos.org/resources/findenCopyright 2015 BioLogos2015-03-31T15:04:53-08:00http://biologos.org/_base/img/BioLogos@2x.pngCustom Feed - The BioLogos Forumhttp://biologos.org/resources/find?search_method=or&amp;tags-topics=&amp;tags-format=82&amp;sort_by=newest&utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
What evidence do we have for evolution besides fossils and genes?http://biologos.org/questions/what-evidence-do-we-have-for-evolution-besides-fossils-and-genes?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/what-evidence-do-we-have-for-evolution-besides-fossils-and-genes?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationScientists have found multiple lines of evidence for evolution, not just one or two. These types of evidence are independent of each other, coming from sources as different as ancient fossils and modern genetics labs. Evidence also comes from comparing the anatomy of creatures living today. All creatures with four limbs (whether mammals, birds, or reptiles) have the same bone structure in each limb, pointing to their descent from a common ancestor. More evidence comes from biogeography. Isolated islands are missing common species found on the mainland, but are filled with many unique species that can be related by a common ancestor. Finally, evidence comes from embryonic development. As an embryo of a mammal grows, its heart develops through stages similar to fish, amphibians, and reptiles. God’s creation declares the history of life in many different ways. All these ways are pointing to a consistent picture of God creating through evolution.Fri, 13 Jul 2012 13:25:46 -0700What scientific evidence do we have about the first humans?http://biologos.org/questions/what-scientific-evidence-do-we-have-about-the-first-humans?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/what-scientific-evidence-do-we-have-about-the-first-humans?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationIn recent decades, scientists have discovered more about the beginnings of humanity. The fossil record shows a gradual transition over 5 million years ago from chimpanzee-size creatures to hominids with larger brains who walked on two legs. Later hominids used fire and stone tools and had brains as large as modern humans. Fossils of homo sapiens in east Africa date back nearly 200,000 years. Humans developed hearths for fire, stone points for spears and arrows, and cave paintings by 30,000 years ago. By 10,000 years ago, humans had spread throughout the globe. Genetic studies support the same picture. Humans share more DNA with chimpanzees than with any other animal, suggesting that humans and chimps share a relatively recent common ancestor. Also, the same defective genes appear in both humans and chimps, at the same locations in the genome—an observation difficult to explain except by common ancestry. Genetics also tells us that the human population today descended from more than two people. Evolution happens not to individuals but to populations, and the amount of genetic diversity in the gene pool today suggests that the human population was never smaller than several thousand individuals. Yet all humans, of all races, are descended from this group. Humanity is one family.Thu, 12 Jul 2012 14:34:36 -0700Are science and Christianity at war?http://biologos.org/questions/science-and-religion?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/science-and-religion?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationSome people see science and religion as enemies, at war for leadership in our modern culture. Others see science and religion as completely separate and unrelated facets of life. However, science is not the only source of facts, and religion reaches beyond the realm of values and morals. In fact, religion can have a positive impact on science, such as in the development of modern medical ethics. Many early scientific leaders were devout Christians, as are some scientific leaders today. Science can also enhance the spiritual life of believers. Christians rejoice in scientific discoveries that reveal the glory of God the creator.
(Updated June 27, 2012)Wed, 27 Jun 2012 12:40:59 -0700How does original sin fit with evolutionary history?http://biologos.org/questions/original-sin?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/original-sin?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationOriginal sin often refers simply to the current state of humanity, in that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23). Evolution does not raise questions about our current state of sinfulness. It does, however, raise questions about how and when the first sin occurred, and how this fallen state was transmitted to all people. The sciences of evolution and archaeology can provide some insight into these questions but are not equipped to answer them. These questions are theological, and over the centuries the church has considered many possible answers. Some of these options are consistent with the scientific evidence currently available.Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:53:24 -0700What do Biblical scholars today say about Genesis 1-2?http://biologos.org/questions/biblical-scholars-genesis?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/biblical-scholars-genesis?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationIn recent decades, evangelical Biblical scholars have reconsidered non-literal interpretations of Genesis. The Accommodation view of St. Augustine and John Calvin is supported by recent discoveries about ancient cultures. Literature from these cultures shows interesting parallels and differences with Genesis accounts. The differences are striking, such as stories where creation is a battle among many gods rather than the acts of one sovereign Creator. The similarities, however, show how God accommodated his message so that the Israelites could understand it. For example, the Egyptians and Babylonians thought the sky was a solid dome. This solid dome appears in Genesis 1 as the firmament created on day 2. God did not try to correct the “science” of the Israelites by explaining that the sky was a gaseous atmosphere. Instead, God accommodated his message to their cultural context. Many evangelical Biblical scholars have concluded that Genesis is not meant to teach scientific information.Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:48:13 -0700Did God create everything recently but make it appear old?http://biologos.org/questions/appear-old?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/appear-old?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationOne way to resolve the apparent conflict between the Bible and science is to say that the world merely looks old. Perhaps God created it 6,000 years ago, but made it look millions and billions of years old. While God certainly has it in his power to do this, this view raises a theological challenge for the Christian: it makes God out to be a deceiver. It would have God revealing things in the universe that are contrary to what he reveals in the Bible. The lie would be not just in a few places, but embedded in galaxies, in stars, in rocks and fossils, and in our very DNA. If we trust that “The heavens declare the glory of God”, we have to trust that they truthfully declare the history by which God made them.Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:43:21 -0700What is the genetic evidence for evolution?http://biologos.org/questions/genetic-evidence?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/genetic-evidence?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationDarwin developed his theory of evolution by looking at scientific evidence available in the mid-1800s. Since then, the whole field of genetics has developed, adding a powerful independent line of evidence in support of evolution. Genes show how the physical traits of living things are handed down and modified from one generation to the next. By comparing the DNA of many organisms, scientists can map the relationships between species. This map is in remarkable agreement with Darwin’s predictions. The structure of chromosomes and particular genetic sequences point to the conclusion not just of common design, but common descent as well.Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:38:52 -0700Why should Christians consider evolutionary creation?http://biologos.org/questions/why-should-Christians-consider-evolutionary-creation?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/why-should-Christians-consider-evolutionary-creation?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationBecause evolution is a challenging subject, many Christians are tempted to simply ignore or reject it. Yet considering evolutionary creation has important benefits for Christians both in our relationship with the Creator, and with our relationships with other people—believers and non-Christians alike. First, Christians should study evolution because (like all the natural sciences) it is the study of God’s creation. Creation itself is a complementary revelation to what is communicated in the Scriptures, and through it God shows how and when he brought about life, to his honor and glory. Studying the creation is also an invitation into a deeper understanding of the attributes and character of Father, Son and Spirit. Second, considering evolutionary creation aids the Church in its gospel mission, supporting young Christians in their faith, helping answer critics, and equipping us to engage effectively in the wider culture. An anti-evolution attitude can harm Christian young people by presenting them with a false choice between pursuing science OR holding to faith. Similarly, a hostile attitude towards evolution can hinder evangelism when seekers hear that they must reject science to follow Christ. On the other hand, studying evolution as a God-ordained process helps Christians refute arguments that science encourages an atheistic worldview. Furthermore, as the church engages front-page issues raised by the rapid growth in science, medicine, and technology, a Christ-centered voice in such areas as bioethics will be stronger if based on a thorough understanding of the natural sciences, including evolution.
(Updated on September 9, 2012)Thu, 15 Mar 2012 12:12:11 -0700How do randomness and chance align with belief in God's sovereignty and purpose?http://biologos.org/questions/chance-and-god?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/chance-and-god?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationEvolution includes random factors in both genetic mutation and natural selection. In popular usage, “random” often means “without purpose.” Some atheists have described evolution as proceeding by “blind, purposeless chance.” But to scientists, “chance” simply means unpredictability. God could choose to use random, unpredictable processes to accomplish his purposes in creation.Mon, 14 Jun 2010 14:52:34 -0700Does the Cambrian Explosion pose a challenge to evolution?http://biologos.org/questions/cambrian-explosion?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/cambrian-explosion?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationThe “Cambrian Explosion” refers to the appearance in the fossil record of most major animal body plans about 543 million years ago. The new fossils appear in an interval of 20 million years or less. On evolutionary time scales, 20 million years is a rapid burst that appears to be inconsistent with the gradual pace of evolutionary change. However, rapid changes like this appear at other times in the fossil record, often following times of major extinction. The Cambrian Explosion does present a number of interesting and important research questions. It does not, however, challenge the fundamental correctness of the central thesis of evolution.Thu, 23 Apr 2009 09:00:26 -0700Did death occur before the Fall?http://biologos.org/questions/death-before-the-fall?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/death-before-the-fall?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationHumans appear very late in the history of life. The fossil record clearly shows that many creatures died before humans appeared. This appears to conflict with Bible passages which describe death as a punishment for human sinfulness. However, the curse of Genesis 3 was that Adam and Eve, not the animals, should die for their disobedience. Therefore, animal death before the Fall is compatible with Christian doctrine. For humans, Genesis 3 and other Bible passages may be speaking primarily of spiritual death, not physical death.
(Updated on July 9, 2012)Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:12:05 -0700How can evolution account for the complexity of life on earth today?http://biologos.org/questions/complexity-of-life?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/complexity-of-life?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationA complex biological structure with many interacting parts might appear, at first glance, as if it were originally created in its present form with all its interlocking components fully formed and intact. It doesn’t seem possible that they developed step by step via biological evolution. In Darwin’s Black Box, Michael Behe introduces a term that he and other proponents of Intelligent Design use for this concept: irreducible complexity.Wed, 22 Apr 2009 16:12:02 -0700How could humans have evolved and still be created in the "Image of God"?http://biologos.org/questions/image-of-god?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/image-of-god?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationThe meaning of the “image of God” has been debated for centuries in the church. A common view is that the image of God refers to the human abilities that separate us from the animals. However, scientists have found that abilities like communication and rationality are also present in animals on a basic level. Plus, theologians do not see the image of God as human abilities. Some theologians see the image of God as our capacity for a relationship with God. Other theologians see it as our commission to represent God’s kingdom on earth. Both of these theological positions are consistent with scientific evidence. Whether God created humanity through a miracle or through evolution, God gave us our spiritual capacities and calls us to bear his image.
(Updated June 25, 2012)Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:06:11 -0700Were Adam and Eve historical figures?http://biologos.org/questions/evolution-and-the-fall?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/evolution-and-the-fall?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationGenetic evidence shows that humans descended from a group of several thousand individuals who lived about 150,000 years ago. This conflicts with the traditional view that all humans descended from a single pair who lived about 10,000 years ago. While Genesis 2-3 speaks of the pair Adam and Eve, Genesis 4 refers to a larger population of humans interacting with Cain. One option is to view Adam and Eve as a historical pair living among many 10,000 years ago, chosen to represent the rest of humanity before God. Another option is to view Genesis 2-4 as an allegory in which Adam and Eve symbolize the large group of ancestors who lived 150,000 years ago. Yet another option is to view Genesis 2-4 as an “everyman” story, a parable of each person’s individual rejection of God. BioLogos does not take a particular view and encourages scholarly work on these questions.Wed, 22 Apr 2009 14:00:42 -0700Isn’t the origin of life highly improbable?http://biologos.org/questions/the-origin-of-life?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/the-origin-of-life?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationFrom all we know about the state of the Earth 3 to 4 billion years ago and what we know about the complexity of the building blocks of life — DNA, RNA, amino acids, sugars — no entirely plausible hypothesis for the spontaneous origin of life has been found. But this does not mean that supernatural activity is the only possible explanation.Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:47:54 -0700What role could God have in evolution?http://biologos.org/questions/evolution-and-divine-action?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/evolution-and-divine-action?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationGiven that evolution accounts for the diversity of present life, it might seem as if God plays no role in the process. But our modern understanding of physical laws, combined with a proper understanding of God’s relationship to time, can be synthesized into a robust Christian worldview.Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:44:21 -0700Does thermodynamics disprove evolution?http://biologos.org/questions/evolution-and-the-second-law?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/evolution-and-the-second-law?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationA common argument against biological evolution is that the theory contradicts the second law of thermodynamics. The second law says that disorder, or entropy, always increases or stays the same over time. How then can evolution produce more complex life forms over time? The answer is that the second law is only valid in closed systems with no external sources of energy. Since the Earth receives continual energy from the Sun, the second law does not apply.Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:33:42 -0700Are gaps in scientific knowledge evidence for God?http://biologos.org/questions/god-of-the-gaps?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/god-of-the-gaps?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationEvery field of science has unanswered questions and gaps in our understanding. Scientists typically view these as open research questions. Others sometimes argue that if science can’t explain how something happened, then God must be the explanation. Such arguments are called “god-of-the-gaps” arguments. The risk in these arguments is that science is always developing. If gaps in scientific knowledge are the basis for belief in God, then as scientists fill in the gaps, the evidence for God disappears. The God of the Bible, however, is much more than a god of the gaps. Christians believe that God is always at work in the natural world, in the gaps as well as in the areas that science can explain.Wed, 22 Apr 2009 13:22:12 -0700How are the ages of the Earth and universe calculated?http://biologos.org/questions/ages-of-the-earth-and-universe?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/ages-of-the-earth-and-universe?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationMany independent measurements have established that the Earth and the universe are billions of years old. Geologists have found annual layers in glaciers that can be counted back 740,000 years. Using the known rate of change in radio-active elements (radiometric dating), some Earth rocks have been shown to be billions of years old, while the oldest solar system rocks are dated at 4.6 billion years. Astronomers use the distance to galaxies and the speed of light to calculate that the light has been traveling for billions of years. The expansion of the universe gives an age for the universe as a whole: 13.7 billion years old.
(Updated April 16, 2012)Wed, 22 Apr 2009 12:07:41 -0700Can Science and Scripture Be Reconciled?http://biologos.org/questions/scientific-and-scriptural-truth?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_Syndication
http://biologos.org/questions/scientific-and-scriptural-truth?utm_source=RSS_Feed&amp;utm_medium=RSS&amp;utm_campaign=RSS_SyndicationIn Christian belief, God reveals himself in both the written book of the Bible and the created “book” of the natural world. Thus, the truths we find in scripture should not conflict with the truths we find in nature. Yet at times the two revelations seem to be saying contradictory things about how God made the world. Since God does not lie, the conflict must occur at the level of human interpretation: either a misunderstanding of what God is revealing in nature, or a misunderstanding of what God is revealing in scripture. Conflicts motivate us to reevaluate both interpretations. Christians may disagree on whether the scientific or the Biblical interpretation needs to change, but we can agree that God speaks to us in both revelations.
(Updated on March 10, 2012)Wed, 22 Apr 2009 11:44:27 -0700